Earth is a planet born of fire.
For billions of years, volcanoes have helped create the world we know. From the continents to the air we breathe and even life itself, all have their origins in fire. These processes have created extraordinary...

Grab your mask and snorkel and come on an unforgettable adventure! Great Barrier Reef captures the natural beauty of the world’s largest living wonder and introduces us to the visionaries and citizen scientists who are helping us better understand this...

Join an immersive IMAX adventure to experience the life-saving superpowers and extraordinary bravery of some of the world's most amazing dogs. No stranger to superheroes himself, Chris Evans narrates this inspiring true story about remarkable (or is that...

The Fleet's newest exhibition, Pause|Play, is an invitation for the young and the young-at-heart to leave the digital world behind, hit pause on their busy lives and recapture the nostalgia of play. Science has shown that play has a number of cognitive,...

As Tim Gunn is fond of saying, “Make. It. Work!” And that’s the idea behind our Make-It Workshop, a creative and interactive workshop for innovators and other curious minds. We invite you to stop by Studio X (formerly Tinkering Studio) on Saturdays to...

Stay and play—and save!—until 10 p.m. on Friday nights this summer!
Bring the entire family to experience the Fleet at night! Enjoy extended evening hours at the Fleet in celebration of The Art of Summer in Balboa Park. Peruse Pause|Play late into...

Grownups! You get the science center all to yourself (no kids allowed!) to explore exhibits at a savings, enjoy an adult beverage and rock out to music on Saturday nights this summer.
Adult Recess provides your chance to take over the Fleet's...

The first Monday of every month, seniors 65 and better can enjoy the Science Center exhibits, a show in the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater and a lecture on the quietest day of the month for only $10! No coupons or additional discounts are accepted. The Fleet...

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Join us on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. for a tour of the solar system narrated by the Fleet’s astronomer. Journey through the cosmos with us as we explore a new topic each month.
For optimal viewing, each show is...

Join us on the second weekend of each month to investigate exciting science topics. Sessions will be filled with new challenges, hands-on activities and interaction with local scientists. Throughout the year, we will explore an array of fields including...

The Renegade Science Project

You reject the conventional. You love to explore. You'd rather be outdoors than trapped indoors. You're the kind of person who should join the Renegade Science Project.

This new outdoor group experience, developed by the Fleet Science Center in conjunction with Museum Hack, will show you a side of Balboa Park unlike anything you've ever experienced. This ain't no boring lecture! It's a 90-minute, interactive, scientific exploration of the park.

The Renegade Science Project starts and ends at the Fleet Science Center. Along the way, there will be plenty of opportunities to say, "Stand back! We're doing science!" You just may draw a crowd of curious onlookers. You'll participate in experiments, compete in challenges (prizes included!) and take the ultimate Insta-worthy selfies. All this, for just $18 per person!

The Renegade Science Project can accommodate no fewer than 5 and as many as 15 renegades. The experience is offered seven days a week, but advance registration is a must. (Even renegades need to plan ahead.)

Client Services will be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

Renegades should dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes—this project will cover up to 1.5 miles, and may include some stairs and ramps. Be sure your phone has plenty of space for photos, so you can give your friends serious FOMO when you post your stellar selfies. Recommended for ages 13+.

FAQs

Where do we check in?

When you arrive, please check in at the ticket counter at the Fleet Science Center.

Is there a minimum age requirement to participate in the experience?

No, but this experience is geared toward humans ages 13+ who like to have fun. (We're pretty sure that's you!)

What should we bring to the experience?

Your love of Balboa Park and your enthusiastic curiosity. Oh, and comfortable shoes, maybe a hat and a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Dress for the weather!

What can we expect?

Expect to have fun with science activities, plus photo challenges along the way. We'll be on our feet for an estimated 1.5-mile tour. Please note, we may be using stairs and ramps as well as navigating some dirt paths (it's an outdoor tour, after all). You might find yourself wearing color-filter goggles or using an infrared thermometer, you renegade, you!

Can we share our awesome photos?

Yes, we’d love that! Use the hashtag #RenegadeBP.

Is parking available?

Yes, there is free parking in the lots on the south side of the Fleet Science Center, at Space Theater Way. Keep in mind that parking can fill up quickly on most days, so give yourself time to stalk the lots and walk to the science center's ticket counter.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

Um, we live in San Diego. What is this "bad weather" you speak of? Anyway, the Renegade Science Project takes place rain or shine.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

We love critters! But, sorry, no, other than certified service dogs, pets are not permitted. You may see butterflies, ducks, lizards and/or squirrels during the experience, but they belong to nature.